How can Tai Chi be used in self defense?

I might take a class for Tai Chi, I'm 13 years old and I want to know more about Tai Chi, some people say it's just like a meditation in movement, is that it? Or can you use it for self defense? And if you can use it for self defense, will my teacher teach me how to do it?|||First understand that Tai Chi is rated as a soft, internal martial arts style. That means it uses rotation to re-direct force, rather than oppose force: soft. Instead of using speed of limbs, the power of its strikes come from internally, from the way your head, shoulders, spine, leg, and arms are positioned.





The internal structure is what gives the "internals" as well as the power. A solidly locked spine, locked joints, and rigid bone structure allows the transferal of sufficient force to damage ribs, organs, and knock somebody from their center of gravity.





For proper defense of self using justified force levels, you need a comprehensive program that covers avoidance, negotiations, de-escalation, as well as tactical components like fighting and neutralizing threats.





As for your instructor, I wouldn't know about that. You can ask, but you will probably be asked "what will you be using this for". If you don't have the right answer in your head, you may not be taught anything until you get older.





A lot of people think internal styles are for meditation and health. That was after it got publicized. Look up Tai Chi Chuan in wikipedia.